Kanturk switch from football win to hurling opener: 14 of our 15 starters are dual players

Kanturk were always in control against Beál Átha'n Ghaorthaidh secured a 1-19 to 0-11 victory in the opening round game of the McCarthy Insurance SAFC at Ballyanly.

The North Cork team are one of many busy dual clubs so manager Eoghan O’Connor was delighted to get this win under their belt.

"Coming into the game, Beál Átha’n Ghaorthaidh were given every chance so we needed to be really focused on the job in hand."

The Kanturk chief believes learning from last season was key on this occasion.

“Last season we were very slow out of the traps and our goal in this game was to go hell for leather in the opening quarter and that stood to us."

Deepening their squad given their dual committments is important.

“Our main aim is to get a bigger panel to Kanturk as we had guys starting championship football for the first time and all acquitted themselves well, that augurs well for the future.” 

Two of Kanturk’s stalwarts, Ian Walsh and Lorcán McLoughlin, came off the bench.

“Both Ian and Lorcán were carrying knocks and with the season a demanding one we have to be careful with our players.” 

The league campaign is 18 weeks for dual players so load management is crucial. 

O’Connor believes his side can build on their quarter-final loss to Knocknagree last term.

“Losing after extra time to Knocknagree was hard to take but look we have turned that page. All we are thinking about for now is our next group game against Dohenys.” 

Cork hurler Alan Walsh gave an exhibition at midfield and his manager paid tribute to his athleticism.

“Alan is a key man to our team but so are all his brothers and cousins that are in the squad but, yes, he battled like a Trojan from start to finish.

When you look at Alan, he never played underage hurling with Cork and now he is on the senior panel. 

"That’s testament to the work he does on the training ground coupled with his great attitude." 

Grounded

The other teams in the group are Dohenys and Aghabullogue, who drew on Saturday. O’Connor says nothing can be taken for granted going forward.

“Every game you play in this championship is a final as on given day any team can come out on top and now the lads will go back to hurling next week for their game against Fr O’Neill’s.

“Of the 15 players that started today, 14 are dual players. That’s the level of commitment we have at our club."

Naturally, with the number of dual players, there will be demands on the players but at Kanturk that’s not a problem.

“Tom Walsh is the hurling manager, and we get on very well as we are all in this together and hopefully the hurlers also get off to a winning start.” 

On a final note, Ian Walsh became the first Kanturk player to score over 200 points in championship games at senior football level.

"Ian was carrying a little knock but when we introduced him his two-pointer ensured he broke the 200-points mark. That’s some achievement."